Summary: GAO reviewed the Navy's current effort to improve ship overhaul performance. The effort, which is referred to as the Depot Operations Improvement Program, consists of over 100 different improvement actions in areas ranging from ship overhaul policy to the physical condition of the Naval shipyards.
In general, GAO was impressed with the commitment made by the Navy to improve ship overhaul performance. GAO also agreed with the Navy's approach of bringing all improvement actions together so that management's ability to review and coordinate the various actions will be enhanced. However, GAO believes that the program should have more specific goals and milestones which would provide all participants with a clear statement of what is to be accomplished and would serve as a basis for program assessment. In addition, controls over implementation of the various actions being taken within the program to insure adequately developed plans, timely accomplishment of milestones, and feedback to officials must be improved. Finally, GAO concluded that, it might be time to reassess the program initiatives and actions to validate their needs and establish an order of priority.
